Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State Football: Nittany Lions with Potential 1st Round Talent for the 2024 NFL Draft

By Morgan Chapman

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 29: Paris Johnson Jr. #77 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 29, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 29: Paris Johnson Jr. #77 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against Chop Robinson #44 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 29, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

OT Olu Fashanu would have been a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL draft if he chose to declare. Instead, he will return to the Penn State football team to graduate from college, pursue his masters, and continue to work on his craft.

Fashanu has been fantastic ever since his first career start in the 2021 Outback Bowl. During the 2022 season, he proved that was no fluke and he is a talented player. According to PFF, Fashanu had 299 pass-blocking reps this past season and allowed zero sacks.

There is a certain level of comfort with him on the field. It’s almost as if you know the line will be dominant because of Olu’s presence. He was injured in early November and never returned to the team. Because of this injury, I believe that played a role in Fashanu returning to Penn State. He felt like he had unfinished business in State College, and he wanted to prove to NFL scouts that he can overcome any injury.

If he can stay healthy, Fashanu not only will be the first offensive tackle off the board in the 2024 NFL draft, but he could very well be a top 5 pick as well. The sky is the limit for this young man and I cannot wait to watch him on the field this season.

Home/Penn State Football